§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent a modification is proposed in respect of experiments in the discipline of prisoners and the external physical form of their imprisonment
§ Mr. EdeThe. question of modifications in prison discipline will be considered in the light of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Offences and Punishments in Prisons and Borstals, which is expected to report fairly soon. I presume that my hon Friend is referring, in the latter part of the Question, to the establishment of prisons where prisoners serve their sentences under open conditions. The success of this experiment has been amply 304 shown, and no significant modification of it is contemplated. Its extension is limited only by the numbers of prisoners appearing to be suitable for treatment along these lines.
§ Mr. SorensenCan we take it that the rather sensational statements in the Press that this experiment has proved a failure are quite. untrue?
§ Mr. EdeI do not think anybody with a knowledge of the subject would countenance such a statement.